Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service

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What to do in the Event of a Fire - Should a Fire Start

Raise the alarm

If your smoke alarm goes off while you are asleep, don't investigate to see if there is a fire. Shout to wake everyone up, get everyone together, follow your plan and get out.

Check doors with back of your hand - if they are warm, do not open them - the fire is on the other side.

If there is a lot of smoke, crawl along with your nose near the floor where the air will be cleaner.

Escaping from a window

If you are on the ground floor or first floor you may be able to escape from a window. If you have to break the window, cover the jagged glass with towels or thick bedding.

Throw some more bedding out of the window to break your fall. Don't jump out of the window - lower yourself down to arm's length and drop to the ground.

If you have any children or elderly or disabled people with you, plan the order you will escape in so that you can help them down.

Don't go back inside your home

Call 999 for the Fire and Rescue Service from a mobile phone, a neighbour's house or a phone box. Give the address of the fire.

Don't stop or go back for anything.

What to do if your escape route is blocked

Get everyone into one room and close the door. Smoke and fumes can kill people quickly, so put bedding or towels along the bottom of the door to seal the gap.

Open the window and stay near it for fresh air and to let the firefighters see you.

Phone 999 for the Fire and Rescue Service or shout for help so that someone can phone for you.

Remember a having a fire action plan is not just about how to get out, but about how to prevent fires starting in the first place. Take some time to make your fire action plan today, it could well save your life.